harliquinn

Well, I had my band removed on Monday July 9th. As it turned out, it WAS slipped and had likely been slipped for 2 years. I'm not experiencing any more reflux, heartburn, pain, food intolerance, etc. All problems have resolved immediately! I'm able to eat broccoli, brussels sprouts, Beans, fruit, all the healthy stuff I wasn't able to eat before. I could not be happier. I'm so glad it's gone and it is immensly satisfying to have my new surgeon tell me that I was indeed correct in assuming that something was wrong. My original surgeon ignored my symptoms, ignored my slipped band and refused to see or treat me. The folks at UC Davis took such great care of me. Surgery was only 45 minutes to an hour and I was home within a couple hours of waking up. I'm glad this nightmare is finally over.

Oh no no no! Please don't be sorry at all! I've been fighting to get it removed for more than a year so this is VERY welcome news! The last 2 and a half years have been a living hell of discomfort, pain and suffering so I am *really* looking forward to this. I know I can lose the weight without the band.

I had a follow-up appointment with my new surgeon today. He said that because I am still having pain, nausea, heartburn, reflux and food intolerance after having my band emptied, the band has to come out. I am actually really relieved to know that in a month, I will be band-free and able to eat a SALAD or stir-fry veggies or even chili without horrible pain and discomfort! I really hope the band removal ends the heartburn/reflux/nausea nightmare.

do you have more info on this?

its possible to experience this problem without it being a slip. my band isnt slipped. ive had an xray done, barium swallow done, and had a visual inspection done while my gallbladder was being removed. and yet i am having all of the same problems.

I can't speak for the OP but I'd be willing to be that like me, she just wants the band out for good, not replaced. I've had mine for fewer years and have no fill but am having the exact same problems. No one should have to suffer like this.

i feel your pain, hun. my band was tighened way too tight by my doctor MANY months ago and despite my band being completely empty and suuposedly 'sitting loose' for several months, its still too tight and i can eat. it hurts, reflux, heartburn, the whole bit. my doc cant find a reason for the problems but im praying that he will remove it. no one deserves to suffer like this.

If you can't keep anything down, there is a chance your band is slipped. your doctor isnt at all concerned about this??

being able to eat only 2 oz meat and literally nothing else doesnt sound terribly healthy.

I feel I should mention that for dinner last night, I had 3 small slices of tofu and less than a quarter cup of sauteed baby spinach. Today, I can't get anything down but water. This is not uncommon. I suspect I won't be able to eat anything for several days, if not a week. :/

Thank you. I have mentioned the heartburn/reflux issues (which started after the overfilled band episodes) to my regular doctor and was told to try Prilosec. I've also been given Aciphex. I cannot take pills so none of that has helped me. I've been told to avoid spicy and acidic foods. I do avoid them and that still seems to make no difference. I've had an EKG (I think that's the right one) done. Heart is normal and healthy. Most of my pain, aside from the heartburn is the band rubbing against the inside of my rib cage. For a while (about a year ago) I was feeling it 'spin' or turn. It's so bizarre to be able to feel something like that on your organs. The husband and I have looked into our options regarding a malpractice suit and I'm afraid that it's just not possible as he is a military surgeon. My insurance company is Tricare. I can try and file a suit but the end result will be Tricare dropping me and I really cannot afford to be without medical insurance as I have asthma and other chronic issues that need ongoing medical care. I am doing what I can to get everything documented and filed just in case though. Thank you for your help. <3

It has been really upsetting and stressful for sure. Depressing as well. I'm going to be really firm when I see my new surgeon again. Maybe I'll show him this thread so he knows what I'm dealing with. Thank you so much for the advice and care. I really truly appreciate it. *hugs*

I agree, the original surgeon has no business practicing medicine. He is a military doctor so he is fairly well protected in that regard and can't really be fired. It's very distressing. I was unfilled back in January I believe? Possibly February. Most likely January. I believe I have a 10cc band. When it was put in, my surgeon had 'primed it' with 2ccs. Then he pushed rather aggressive 1-2cc fills and I started having problems. I am starting to suspect that either my stomach/body is trying to reject the band, or something my first surgeon did has really screwed it up.

My new surgeon wants to do an upper GI/barium swallow or something when he sees me early next month, I believe. When I mentioned these complications to my old surgeon, he threatened me with an upper endoscopy specifically because he knew it would scare me since my first upper endoscopy was so painful and awful to go through. When my gallbladder was removed, the surgeon doing that had a good look around and declared that the band looked good and was nice and loose around my stomach, not tight at all so I am inclined to believe that it's a good fit for me. You are correct, I have no fill at all in my band currently. At this point, after all I've had going on, I really really just want the band out. I appreciate the insight and suggestions. Thank you so much.

I am with a new surgeon already. I will be assessed again by him on June 8th but despite having zero fill in my band and taking tiny bites, chewing everything into a nearly liquid state and not overeating, i am still having complications. Sticking, heartburn/reflux, discomfort and food intolerance. Clearly something is not right here.